As an Exhibition and Environment Design specialist, we often need to justify our choice of materials, colors and finish used in both our exhibitions and reimagining projects. Physical inspection of these samples is a necessity, without seeing the samples the look and feel cannot be known.

Are you confused about which material or finish you must use for your office redesign? Selecting a product is no easy task; hence to start with, we have put up a list of pointers that you must keep in your mind before finalizing an office reimagining project, we will then discuss in detail about the pros and cons of 4 types of office flooring materials.

1. Aesthetic Environment:

Aesthetic environment while reimagining an office space many a times is not given much needed attention. The aesthetics and functionality of the workplace must always be the focus followed by – the shape, texture and pattern of materials used. Shape here refers to the geometrics, florals and object cut out. Texture refers to the look i.e. shiny, matte, opaque and transparent. Patterns refer to the lines, dots and designs on the material.

2. Beauty and theme:

There lies a fine line between a beautiful and failed office redesign project. You must therefore carefully study the prerequisites of your client requirement and assess if the design corresponds well with the existing brand image? You must see if the office reimagine plan is in lines with the existing office culture and utility. Emphasis on the tactile property i.e. the material’s texture – whether ragged or smooth to touch must be given.

3. Maintenance and Budgetary requirement:

One must calculate how pricey/ cost effective the material will be when purchased in bulk, both cost wise and installation wise. This will give you a very good overview of if you are within the desired budget. Another crucial thing to consider is its future maintenance cost. Does it need long-term maintenance, timely maintenance or daily maintenance?

4. Durability:

Will the material last long or will it wear off easily after consistent use? Is it scratch proof, spill proof, toughened and prone to climate or temperature variations?

5. Safety:

Does it have rough or sharp edges, is it fire proof, is the floor slippery when wet, does the light reflect a lot more than wanted and is the product tested in every condition.

Let us now discuss the types of flooring material that can be used for your office work space. Flooring materials not only add aesthetics and class to your office space, but they also are a great option to start with in case the organization does not have a lavish budget.  Few natural materials that you can use for floorings are Bamboo, Wood, Seagrass and Travertine. The other options are laminates, hardwood, cement flooring, ceramics, tiling, solid wood floors and vinyl.

Here are the pros and cons of using these floorings for office work space:

1. Laminate Flooring:

They are low cost and low maintenance flooring, there are ample of attractive designs to choose from. The accent of the office can be enhanced by adding carpets and rugs.

Pros: Easy maintenance, Installation and Cleaning.

Cons: It produces hollow sound as you walk on them.

2. Hardwood Flooring:

Solid hardwood or engineered hardwood flooring is a hit for offices. We every other flooring starts looking dull, these will still last. Despite being pricey, many companies invest in this flooring as its long lasting.

Pros: Strengths, durability, high end look and long term investment.

Cons: Difficult to install as it requires expertise.

3. Bamboo Flooring:

Bamboo flooring is a strong, clean and contemporary themed product. The cost to install and buy bamboo flooring is same as hardwood flooring.

Pros: Sustainable, renewable raw material.

Cons: May fade when exposed to sunlight.

4. Wooden Flooring:

Wooden flooring is long lasting flooring which is available to a variety of budgets. It is easy to maintain and clean as it’s water resistant. A property is considered to be rich if it has wooden flooring installed.

Pros: Budget friendly, timeless, can be refinished.

Cons: Climatic shift – in winters the floor will be cold and in summers hot.

Selecting the most suitable reimagining product or finish for your office is crucial for your office redesign. Depending upon the impact, office theme, and budget and usability appropriate flooring material must be selected and installed, it therefore suggested to leave it on to the industry professionals.

Design Desk India specializes in enhancing the visual environment of work spaces, be it an office, factory or retail. Our design makeovers are fast and effective with no structural changes and minimum workflow disturbances and a quick turnaround.

Find out more on www.designdesk.in/environment-design/ or Contact us today on reimagine@designdesk.in